pope benedict xvi officially abdicated today. kpix 5's michelle griego on the final message to the faithful. >> reporter: swiss guards closed the door on castel gandalfo marking the owned of pope benedict xvi's reign. he flew to a retreat south of rome to begin his retirement. thousands lined up to witness history thursday and welcome benedict xvi into retirement. he is the first pope in nearly 6 centuries to resign. in his final public statement, as leader of the church, he offered one final blessing. >> may god bless you in the name of the father and the holy ghost. thank you all. >> reporter: before departing the vatican, benedict met with 144 cardinals who gathered to offer thanks and well wishes. some of the cardinals who have flocked to rome will soon enter conclave where they will elect the next pope. >> we need somebody to remind us of jesus. that is sort of what you might call the supernatural characteristics that you look for. >> reporter: along with the prestige that comes with the title of pope, benedict's successor w